Why do we have this desire? Retire young and retire rich is a cultural belief, The United States is called the "Land of Opportunity". Even as far back as the mid 1800's it was thought that the street of New York were "paved in gold". At the turn of the Century "Horatio Alger" stories were popular. More recently, tales of Dot. Com millionaires were in the news. Simply by living in America, you are fed the belief that retire young and retire rich is a worthy and achievable goal. Now, it is also the dream of many, regardless of their country of residence.